This is one of the studies that I had to learn in my psyche 101 class. Fairly amazing, and explains how we've fallen so far..
As long as someone seemingly in authority tells you to do something and tells you that its alright, then people do it. Very few people are actually mentally able to see through the BS and see the truth.
Just because someone is in a position of authority, does NOT mean they are right.
I think America would be a better place if we all developed Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Its an aversion to all authority.